Sergeant Major

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[1] Sergeant Major Affiliation UNSC Marine Corps UNSC Army Higher Rank Second Lieutenant Command Sergeant Major (UNSC Army) Lower Rank First Sergeant Known Sergeant Majors Avery Johnson
	[Source]

Sergeant Major is the ninth and highest enlisted rank of the UNSC Marine Corps and is a staff non-commissioned officer rank. It is equal in pay grade to Master Gunnery Sergeant, although the two have different responsibilities. Sergeant Major is equal to the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer in the UNSC Navy.

[edit] Sergeant Major and Master Gunnery Sergeant

In the United States Marine Corps, eligible Gunnery Sergeants indicate whether they wish to be considered for promotion to Master Sergeant or First Sergeant, and thus whether they enter the promotional track for Master Gunnery Sergeant or Sergeant Major. Once promoted, the promotional track is permanent; lateral movement between the two programs is not possible.

One of the major differences between the two ranks is that Sergeants Major have a general command status, while a Master Gunnery Sergeant's role involves providing technical military leadership.

Whether this carries over into the UNSC Marine Corps is unconfirmed.

[edit] Responsibilities

Although technically the same rank as a Master Gunnery Sergeant, Sergeants Major are given more authority. They serve as the senior NCO for battalion level units and above, advising and assisting the battalion (or above) commander directly.

[edit] Sources

1. ↑ Halo 3: ODST Screenshot of the Rookie - Upper left chest plate has clear sign of one chevron and two crossed rifles of a United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal. It is assumed that the UNSC uses the same insignia for its Marines.

UNSC Defense Force enlisted ranks
	E-1	E-2	E-3	E-4	E-5	E-6	E-7	E-8	E-9	Senior Enlisted Advisor
Air Force:	AB	Amn	A1C	SrA	SSgt	TSgt	MSgt	SMSgt	CMSgt - CCM	CMSAF
Army:	PV1	PV2	PFC	SPC - CPL	SGT	SSG	SFC	MSG - 1SG	SGM - CSM	SMA
Marine Corps:	Pvt	PFC	LCpl	Cpl	Sgt	SSgt	GySgt	MSgt - 1stSgt	MGySgt - SgtMaj	SgtMajMC
Navy:	CR	CA	CN	PO3	PO2	PO1	CPO	SCPO	MCPO - CMDCM - FORCM - FLTCM	MCPON